Zoom Instructions & Telehealth Tips
Overview
Remote Psych provide all sessions with your psychologist via telehealth (Zoom video link), from the comfort of your own home or other private space. This occurs via Zoom video conferencing on your computer, tablet or smartphone.
You do not need to download or install anything, and you do not need to create an account.
Zoom allows for your clinician to share documents with you, use the interactive whiteboard and other technology which connects you both despite being in different locations. Sessions are around 50-60 minutes and are essentially the same as face-to-face therapy sessions.
Before your session
Joining a Zoom session is quick and easy!
The preferred device to use is a computer, but a laptop, tablet or smartphone will work just fine! You will need to make sure your device has a working camera and microphone.
You will need:
· A suitable device (mobile phone, Desktop computer, Laptop or Tablet/iPad) with a webcam and microphone installed,
· Speakers or headphones,
· Standard Internet connection,
· Your psychologist’s unique Zoom link and passcode (sent to you via email)
Zoom Instructions
How to join a Telehealth Session
Your psychologist’s unique zoom link & Meeting ID will be sent to you via email prior to your session. Please keep that email as this zoom link will remain the same for all sessions.
At the time of your scheduled sessions, use this email to be brought to a private, virtual waiting room to meet with your psychologist. There are a number of ways to join a zoom session. See below options with step-by-step instructions.
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You can click the Zoom link in the email and it will open up a web browser where you can ‘Join from your browser’ without having to download the zoom app or create an account.
1. Click the link in the email
2. Click cancel if you see a pop-up saying “Open in Zoom Meetings”.
3. Click ‘join from your browser’
4. Allow zoom to use your microphone and camera
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Compatible with Windows and Mac
Open the Zoom desktop client.
2. Join a meeting using one of these methods:
• Click Join a Meeting if you want to join without signing in
• Sign in to Zoom then click Join
3. Enter the meeting ID number, Enter your display name (use your full name so you can be identified).
• If you're signed in, change your name if you don't want your default name to appear
• If you're not signed in, enter a display name
4. Select to connect audio and video and click Join.
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1. Open a web browser
2. Go to join.zoom.us
3. Enter your meeting ID provided by the host/organizer
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1. Open the Zoom mobile app. If you have not downloaded the Zoom mobile app yet, you can download it from the App Store.
2. Join a meeting using one of these methods:
• Tap Join a Meeting if you want to join without signing in.
• Sign in to Zoom then tap Join.
3. Enter the meeting ID number and your display name.
• If you're signed in, change your name if you don't want your default name to appear.
4. If you're not signed in, enter a display name.
5. Select if you would like to connect audio and/or video and select Join.
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1. Open the Zoom mobile app. If you have not downloaded the Zoom mobile app yet, you can download it from the Google Play Store.
2. Join a meeting using one of these methods:
• Tap Join a Meeting if you want to join without signing in.
• Sign in to Zoom then tap Join.
3. Enter the meeting ID number and your display name.
• If you're signed in, change your name if you don't want your default name to appear.
• If you're not signed in, enter a display name.
4. Select if you would like to connect audio and/or video and tap Join Meeting.
More Information
You can learn more about joining a Zoom meeting by clicking here.
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You can learn more about joining a Zoom meeting and watch video instructions by clicking here.
Our Telehealth Tips
Practice/Test run
Do you feel nervous about the technology working? You can test your video camera and audio with Zoom before joining a meeting to ensure that everything is working correctly. You can launch a test meeting anytime, click zoom.us/test to try it out.
Privacy
Make sure you have a suitable private space, somewhere comfortable and quiet, where you feel safe.
You will be discussing personal information, so think about who else can potentially overhear the conversation. Also, be aware that the background behind you may be seen on the video link.
Plan your sessions
Pick a suitable day and time for your appointments where you’ll be most likely to be able to focus and work effectively with your psychologist.
The therapeutic process works best when you set goals and work towards achieving them. While you might find your goals change during counselling, knowing where you want to go generally helps you to get there.
Minimise distractions
Remove potential distractions from the room (e.g. turn off music/television, avoid interruptions from others, ensure any children are supervised by others (this time is for you!).
Set up & Access
Make sure you have access to appropriate technology (e.g. computer/laptop/tablet/phone, camera, microphone).
Check that your device is fully charged and you are connected to the internet.
Have your mobile phone nearby in case your internet is not available and your psychologist needs to contact you.
Ensure that there is enough light in the room for you to be seen clearly. A lamp nearby can help with shadows.
Join the virtual waiting room
Make sure you have your Zoom link email open and ready to go. You do not have to download or install anything, and you do not need to create an account.
At the time of your scheduled session, click the zoom link provided to join your psychologist’s virtual waiting room. You will then be taken into the session.
Good visibility
Position the camera appropriately so the psychologist can see you clearly on the screen.
Make sure you are in a space that is well-lit, allowing a clear image and good eye contact. We are simulating a face-to-face session.
Ask Questions
Think about any questions you have for the psychologist or any issues or discussion points you would like to talk about in session.
Feel free to hand write notes and ask for additional session resources like worksheets or information sheets.
Reflect
You might like to plan some time after the session before you return to your usual activities. We recommend clients plan for some brief quiet time or a soothing activity after the session.
Troubleshooting
What do I do if i can’t connect to the session?
If you are unable to enter the waiting room for any reason, the psychologist will call you at the 5 minute mark to check in. From there, they can assist you with joining the zoom session.
What do I do if the session disconnects?
On rare occasions, the video session might disconnect, but this can usually be rectified quickly. In the event that the video conference is interrupted, follow the plan discussed with your psychologist. If unsure, check your internet connection, attempt to reconnect through the Zoom link used to access the video session.
If not successful, await a phone call from your psychologist with further instructions.
In most cases, we can switch to a phone consultation instead.
If you need any assistance getting set up, we’re here to help.